3. Aim high

“When I think of competition it’s like I try to create against the past. I think about Michelangelo, Picasso, the pyramids. That’s the reason why I put 5,000 hours into a song like ‘Power.’” – Kanye West

As of late, I’m putting no more boundaries or limits on myself. I want to take my photography, art, and ideas to the next level.

5. Gratitude

That means only competing against the masters from the past. After all, I can’t feel envy of artists and photographers who are already dead. Rather, I gain assistance, guidance, and support from them. And I never feel like I’m competing against them (in a negative way).

I thank all the dead masters of photography for helping pave the path for me. I also thank all my contemporary friends and photographers for inspiring me.

But I know I’m destined for something greater. I’m destined to become the best version of myself. And I need to keep pushing myself to the highest summit.

How to take your art to the next level

Some practical ideas you can add to your art, to take your work to the next level:

1. Disregard what others say:

If you want to take your art to the next level, you need a healthy amount of ignorance from the feedback of others. Whenever people give you feedback, smile, say thank you, and move on — and keep doing what you’re doing.

2. Cross-pollinate:

To ‘cross-pollinate’ in art means to mix different forms of inspiration. Like a bee, you are going from one flower to another. But your combination of these different pollen from different flowers, renders you a unique honey. And that honey is unique to you.

3. Hit publish:

The only way to be more ‘creative’ as an artist or photographer is to create more. To hit publish. To have the courage to put your art into the world.